3D Printers; as one of the biggest talking points in technology with the potential to transform the manufacturing industry, last year they were arguably one of the most desirable investments. Although the initial excitement has died down, more research is actively going into how we can utilise this innovation in a more mainstream format, but as it currently stands, the costs of owning an industrial 3D printer are too high for many to even consider.

Recently, 3D print specialists, Becoming 3D announced vendor partnerships with two leading US leasing corporations as a way to make high end 3D print hardware and supplies a more realistic and affordable purchase for businesses and consumers. This is just one on many examples where leasing is allowing organisations to invest in big ticket, top of the range machinery that they would not be able to afford through a direct purchase. 

Following the recent rise in the strength of the US dollar, financial analyst firm Gartner has called on CIOs to review their IT budgets. Companies are being encouraged to reassess how the 20% rise in the cost of dollar-based IT equipment will affect their procurement and investment plans for 2015 and beyond.

As we approach the final quarter of 2015, many CIOs will be planning the distribution of their 2016 IT budgets. However, this increase in costs of dollar-based IT equipment is set to have a significant impact on expenditure and will likely result in companies having to compromise spending to preserve the cash flow balance.